Vaping, or using electronic cigarettes, involves inhaling vapor produced by heating a liquid that usually contains nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals. Many people use it as an alternative to traditional cigarettes, but it carries its own risks.
What Does Vaping Do to Your Lungs?
Studies show that using e-cigarettes inflames the lungs and damages the cells lining the airways. Vaping also makes the lungs more prone to respiratory infections like pneumonia and may increase the risk of lung cancer.
What Happens When You Vape?
While vaping, a steamy condensate from the device is inhaled into the lungs, where it is absorbed into the blood and carried to the brain and other parts of the body. Nicotine in the vapor stimulates the brain to create a feeling of pleasure or relaxation.
Vaping and "Popcorn Lung" — What’s the Link?
"Popcorn lung" describes bronchiolitis obliterans, a serious, irreversible lung disease causing coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. It causes inflammation and scarring of the small airways, narrowing them and reducing oxygen transport into the bloodstream. Some studies have found diacetyl, a chemical used as a flavor additive in vaping liquids, linked to popcorn lung in people who have inhaled it.
Can Vaping Cause Lung Cancer?
Vaping exposes users to nicotine, heavy metals, and volatile organic compounds associated with increased cancer risk. Vaping condensate also contains substances not found in traditional cigarettes, such as formaldehyde, a known carcinogen.
Vaping vs. Smoking
- Composition — traditional cigarettes contain a mix of around 7,000 chemicals, many toxic and cancer-causing; e-cigarette vapor typically contains fewer harmful substances but still includes nicotine, heavy metals, and volatile organic compounds
- Health risks — smoking is a major cause of preventable diseases such as lung cancer, emphysema, and heart disease
- Secondhand exposure — traditional smoking produces secondhand smoke that can harm others nearby; e-cigarettes do not produce secondhand smoke but do produce secondhand vapor, which may contain potentially harmful substances
Both vaping and smoking can negatively affect health. If you are dealing with respiratory issues and want help quitting, talk with a pulmonologist.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition.